Guntersville(previously known as Gunter's Ferry and later Gunter's Landing) is a city and thecounty seatofMarshall County,Alabama,United States. At the2020 census,the population of the city was 8,553.[5]Guntersville is located in aHUBZoneas identified by theU.S. Small Business Administration(SBA).
Guntersville, Alabama | |
|---|---|
 Logo | |
 Location in Marshall County, Alabama | |
| Coordinates:34°20′53″N86°17′40″W/ 34.34806°N 86.29444°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Alabama |
| County | Marshall |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Leigh Dollar[1][2] |
| Area | |
• Total | 42.70 sq mi (110.59 km2) |
| • Land | 25.64 sq mi (66.39 km2) |
| • Water | 17.06 sq mi (44.19 km2) |
| Elevation | 607 ft (185 m) |
| Population | |
• Total | 8,553 |
| • Density | 333.65/sq mi (128.82/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−6(Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5(CDT) |
| ZIP Code | 35976 |
| Area code | 256 |
| FIPS code | 01-32416 |
| GNISfeature ID | 2403774[4] |
| Website | guntersvilleal |
History
editGuntersville was founded by John Gunter (1765–1835), the great-grandfather of American humoristWill Rogers.[6]Gunter's own great-great-grandfather, of Welsh-English descent, had emigrated to the New World in 1644. Gunter was the wealthy owner of asalt minein the early 19th century. In order to obtain more land to mine, Gunter struck a deal with theCherokeetribe that inhabited the area to use in his household as servants. As part of the deal, Gunter married the daughter (Ghe-No-He-Li, aka Katy and Cathrine) of the tribe's chief (Chief Bushyhead of the Paint Clan) and agreed to give salt to the tribe. A town sprung up next to the mine and was named after Gunter. The town of Guntersville puts on a festival every July to celebrate Will Rogers, which involves many activities which were of interest to Rogers.[citation needed]
Initially incorporated as "Gunter's Landing" in 1848, it won the contest to become county seat fromWarrenton(which had been the seat since 1841). It formally changed its name to Guntersville in 1854.[7]
TheUnited States Navybegan operating a fleet ofgunboatson the Tennessee River in late 1864.Confederatetroops mounted a spirited defense of the river from Guntersville. In January 1865, theUSSGeneral Grantattempted to destroy the town in retaliation.[8]
For much of the 20th century, the economy of Guntersville revolved around cotton processing, especially with theSaratoga Victory Mill.
Geography
editGuntersville is located in central Marshall County at34°20′54″N86°17′40″W/ 34.34833°N 86.29444°W(34.348197, −86.294523).[9]U.S. Route 431(Gunter Avenue and Blount Avenue) is the main road through the city, leading northwest 37 miles (60 km) toHuntsville,and southeast 10 miles (16 km) toAlbertville.Gadsdenis 36 miles (58 km) to the southeast via US 431.
According to theU.S. Census Bureau,the city of Guntersville has a total area of 42.7 square miles (110.6 km2), of which 25.6 square miles (66.4 km2) are land and 17.1 square miles (44.2 km2), or 40.0%, are water.[3]Guntersville is located at the southernmost point of theTennessee RiveronLake Guntersville,formed by theGuntersville Dam(built by theTennessee Valley Authority). Geologically, the lake occupies a southern extension of theSequatchie Valley,which continues south as Browns Valley.
Climate
edit| Climate data for Guntersville, Alabama, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1910–present | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 78 (26) |
82 (28) |
88 (31) |
94 (34) |
99 (37) |
103 (39) |
106 (41) |
105 (41) |
102 (39) |
99 (37) |
87 (31) |
78 (26) |
106 (41) |
| Mean maximum °F (°C) | 69.1 (20.6) |
72.7 (22.6) |
79.2 (26.2) |
84.2 (29.0) |
88.8 (31.6) |
93.6 (34.2) |
95.6 (35.3) |
95.7 (35.4) |
92.8 (33.8) |
85.6 (29.8) |
77.0 (25.0) |
70.0 (21.1) |
97.3 (36.3) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 50.4 (10.2) |
54.8 (12.7) |
63.3 (17.4) |
71.9 (22.2) |
79.5 (26.4) |
86.1 (30.1) |
88.9 (31.6) |
88.7 (31.5) |
83.9 (28.8) |
73.6 (23.1) |
62.0 (16.7) |
53.3 (11.8) |
71.4 (21.9) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 41.8 (5.4) |
45.3 (7.4) |
53.0 (11.7) |
61.2 (16.2) |
69.6 (20.9) |
77.1 (25.1) |
80.3 (26.8) |
79.9 (26.6) |
74.7 (23.7) |
63.5 (17.5) |
52.1 (11.2) |
44.8 (7.1) |
61.9 (16.6) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 33.1 (0.6) |
35.8 (2.1) |
42.8 (6.0) |
50.4 (10.2) |
59.7 (15.4) |
68.1 (20.1) |
71.6 (22.0) |
71.1 (21.7) |
65.4 (18.6) |
53.5 (11.9) |
42.3 (5.7) |
36.3 (2.4) |
52.5 (11.4) |
| Mean minimum °F (°C) | 15.9 (−8.9) |
20.9 (−6.2) |
26.4 (−3.1) |
35.5 (1.9) |
45.8 (7.7) |
59.4 (15.2) |
64.8 (18.2) |
63.5 (17.5) |
52.6 (11.4) |
37.8 (3.2) |
27.9 (−2.3) |
22.3 (−5.4) |
14.1 (−9.9) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −11 (−24) |
−2 (−19) |
11 (−12) |
25 (−4) |
36 (2) |
44 (7) |
48 (9) |
48 (9) |
38 (3) |
26 (−3) |
7 (−14) |
−2 (−19) |
−11 (−24) |
| Averageprecipitationinches (mm) | 5.31 (135) |
5.40 (137) |
5.65 (144) |
4.99 (127) |
4.56 (116) |
4.73 (120) |
4.31 (109) |
4.02 (102) |
4.16 (106) |
3.48 (88) |
4.19 (106) |
5.97 (152) |
56.77 (1,442) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 0.1 (0.25) |
0.5 (1.3) |
0.1 (0.25) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.7 (1.8) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 0.01 in) | 11.9 | 12.4 | 12.5 | 10.7 | 10.3 | 10.9 | 11.4 | 9.9 | 7.8 | 7.7 | 9.9 | 12.7 | 128.1 |
| Average snowy days(≥ 0.1 in) | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.6 |
| Source 1: NOAA[10] | |||||||||||||
| Source 2: National Weather Service[11] | |||||||||||||
Demographics
edit| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1870 | 244 | — | |
| 1880 | 325 | 33.2% | |
| 1890 | 471 | 44.9% | |
| 1900 | 618 | 31.2% | |
| 1910 | 1,145 | 85.3% | |
| 1920 | 1,909 | 66.7% | |
| 1930 | 2,826 | 48.0% | |
| 1940 | 4,398 | 55.6% | |
| 1950 | 5,253 | 19.4% | |
| 1960 | 6,592 | 25.5% | |
| 1970 | 6,491 | −1.5% | |
| 1980 | 7,041 | 8.5% | |
| 1990 | 7,038 | 0.0% | |
| 2000 | 7,395 | 5.1% | |
| 2010 | 8,197 | 10.8% | |
| 2020 | 8,553 | 4.3% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[12] 2013 Estimate[13] | |||
2000 census
editAt the 2000census,[14]there were 7,395 people, 3,061 households and 1,971 families living in the city. The population density was 312.7 inhabitants per square mile (120.7/km2). There were 3,518 housing units at an average density of 148.8 per square mile (57.5/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 88.17%White,8.53%BlackorAfrican American,0.49%Native American,0.41%Asian,0.01%Pacific Islander,0.95% fromother races,and 1.45% from two or more races. 2.87% of the population wereHispanicorLatinoof any race.
There were 3,061 households, of which 27.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.5% were married couples living together, 13.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.6% were non-families. Of all households, 32.4% were made up of individuals, and 14.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.88.
Age distribution was 22.4% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 27.0% from 25 to 44, 24.3% from 45 to 64, and 19.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.8 males.
The median household income was $29,882, and the median family income was $39,464. Males had a median income of $36,175 versus $20,480 for females. Theper capita incomefor the city was $18,503. About 11.2% of families and 14.2% of the population were below thepoverty line,including 15.2% of those under age 18 and 16.3% of those age 65 or over.
2010 census
editAt the 2010census,[15]there were 8,197 people, 3,388 households and 2,167 families living in the city. The population density was 347.3 inhabitants per square mile (134.1/km2). There were 3,872 housing units at an average density of 152.4 per square mile (58.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 85.8%White,7.8%BlackorAfrican American,0.5%Native American,1.5%Asian,0.0%Pacific Islander,2.5% fromother races,and 1.9% from two or more races. 3.8% of the population wereHispanicorLatinoof any race.
There were 3,388 households, of which 25.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.9% were married couples living together, 13.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.0% were non-families. Of all households, 31.8% were made up of individuals, and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.87.
Age distribution was 21.0% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 22.8% from 25 to 44, 28.6% from 45 to 64, and 20.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.8 males.
The median household income was $38,094, and the median family income was $57,610. Males had a median income of $39,063 versus $31,410 for females. Theper capita incomefor the city was $23,468. About 16.9% of families and 20.5% of the population were below thepoverty line,including 34.9% of those under age 18 and 19.1% of those age 65 or over.
2020 census
edit| Race | Num. | Perc. |
|---|---|---|
| White(non-Hispanic) | 6,942 | 81.16% |
| Black or African American(non-Hispanic) | 745 | 8.71% |
| Native American | 34 | 0.4% |
| Asian | 93 | 1.09% |
| Other/Mixed | 354 | 4.14% |
| HispanicorLatino | 385 | 4.5% |
As of the2020 United States census,there were 8,553 people, 3,312 households, and 2,179 families residing in the city.
Recreation
editGuntersville sits on the shore of 69,100-acre (28,000 ha)Guntersville Lake,the biggest lake inAlabama.[17]The lake is maintained and managed by theTennessee Valley Authority.The 2014 and 2020Bassmaster Classicwere held on Guntersville Lake.[18]
Government
editThe current[date missing]mayor is Leigh Dollar, the daughter of a previous mayor, and the first female to hold mayor's office in Guntersville.[citation needed]
Education
editGuntersville has one school system in the town which is made up of four schools; Guntersville Elementary School (Kindergarten-2nd grade), Cherokee Elementary School (3rd–5th grade), Guntersville Middle School (6th–8th grade), and Guntersville High School (9th–12th grade). In 2006 Guntersville High School won the 4A football state championship, which is the only football state championship recorded by a school inMarshall County,Alabama.[19]
Culture
editGuntersville was the last place in whichRicky Nelsonever performed as a singer. His last performance was at PJ's Alley in Guntersville on Monday, December 30, 1985. His private plane departed Guntersville the next day, New Year's Eve, and crashed nearDeKalb, Texas.[20][21]
InHunting Mister Heartbreak: A Discovery of America,the British authorJonathan Rabanbecomes a temporary resident of the city, to which he takes a liking in his conservative persona as John Rayburn. He is aware, however, that were his real views known the people of Guntersville might have been less welcoming. "Scratch John Rayburn, and he'd confess my own thoughts on politics, books, religion − thoughts that wouldn't wash in Guntersville."[22]
Notable people
edit- Don Fuell,formerCanadian Football Leaguequarterback[23][24]
- "Mississippi" Bill Harris,entrepreneur[25]
- Jon Jefferson,documentary filmmaker and author[26][27]
- M. E. Lazarus,American individualist anarchist
- Jeffrey McLaughlin,former member of the Alabama Legislature from the 27th district
- Jeanette Scissum,NASA sunspot predictor[28]
- Willard Scissum,formeroffensive tacklefor theWashington Redskinsand coach atSavannah State University
- Joe Starnes,congressmanfrom 1935 to 1945[29]
- Conrad Thompson,podcast host[30]
- Pat Upton,former lead singer and songwriter withSpiral Starecase[31]
- John Allan Wyeth,surgeon, soldier and author
References
edit- ^"Mayor & Council | City of Guntersville, AL".guntersvilleal.org.Archivedfrom the original on November 28, 2020.RetrievedApril 13,2021.
- ^Cagle, Joe (November 7, 2020)."New mayor, council sworn in".The Advertiser-Gleam.Archivedfrom the original on November 7, 2020.RetrievedApril 13,2021.
- ^ab"2021 U.S. Gazetteer Files".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedApril 15,2022.
- ^abU.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Guntersville, Alabama
- ^ab"Guntersville city, Alabama: 2020 DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171)".U.S. Census Bureau.RetrievedApril 15,2022.
- ^Roylance, Frank D. (March 11, 2001)."A family tree's American tale".The Baltimore Sun.RetrievedSeptember 2,2021.
- ^"Guntersville".
- ^Miller, Francis Trevelyan (1957).The Photographic History of The Civil War.Vol. Six: The Navies. New York: Castle Books. p. 233.
- ^"US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990".United States Census Bureau.February 12, 2011.RetrievedApril 23,2011.
- ^ "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Guntersville, AL".National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.RetrievedMarch 4,2023.
- ^ "NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Huntsville".National Weather Service.RetrievedMarch 4,2023.
- ^"U.S. Decennial Census".Census.gov.RetrievedJune 6,2013.
- ^"Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2013".Archived fromthe originalon May 22, 2014.RetrievedJune 3,2014.
- ^"U.S. Census website".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedJanuary 31,2008.
- ^"U.S. Census website".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedAugust 3,2015.
- ^"Explore Census Data".data.census.gov.RetrievedDecember 11,2021.
- ^"Lake Guntersville".Outdoor Alabama.Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.RetrievedOctober 4,2021.
- ^Sargeant, Frank; Times, The Huntsville (February 24, 2014)."Randy Howell of Springville wins 2014 Bassmaster Classic (photos)".al.RetrievedSeptember 2,2021.
- ^"AHSAA | 2006 Football Bracket - Class 4A".dnn.ahsaa.com.RetrievedSeptember 2,2021.
- ^"Rick Nelson dies in a plane crash".HISTORY.RetrievedSeptember 2,2021.
- ^"Guntersville musician to be reunited with Ricky Nelson's sons after being reunited with long-lost mementos (Mark McCarter)".al.January 19, 2013.RetrievedSeptember 2,2021.
- ^Raban, Jonathan (1991).Hunting Mister Heartbreak.New York: HarperCollins. pp.218.ISBN0060182091.
- ^"More honors for Bentley".The Advertiser-Gleam.November 18, 2014.RetrievedSeptember 2,2021.
- ^"SEC football's notable NCAA cases over the years".al.February 26, 2017.RetrievedSeptember 2,2021.
- ^"The Last Long River Trip of Mississippi Bill Harris".The Advertiser-Gleam.August 9, 2017.RetrievedSeptember 2,2021.
- ^Martin, Ann Marie (April 29, 2012)."Jefferson Bass writing team will visit Huntsville library to discuss new novel, 'The Inquisitor's Key'".al.RetrievedSeptember 2,2021.
- ^"Jon Jefferson".HarperCollins Speakers Bureau.Archived fromthe originalon July 28, 2021.RetrievedSeptember 2,2021.
- ^McGregor, Cindy (March 11, 2017)."Grew up during segregation and made it to NASA".The Advertiser-Gleam.RetrievedSeptember 2,2021.
- ^"STARNES, Joe | US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives".history.house.gov.RetrievedSeptember 2,2021.
- ^"How Conrad Thompson became a wrestling podcasting mogul".al.November 15, 2017.RetrievedSeptember 2,2021.
- ^Staff REPORTS (October 2, 2019)."Guntersville deems Oct. 12 as Pat Upton Day".sandmountainreporter.com.RetrievedSeptember 2,2021.